why does chapter nine focus on a different subject? How does this new focus affect the work as a whole?

Main Character and Subordinate Character

Chapter 5 and Chapter 6

Answer the following questions on the blog before you come to class and come to class ready to participate in a Socratic seminar.  Your response should be a minimum of 3 sentences.

1. Who was Jan Burres and what kind of affect did she have on Chris?
2. Why do you think Chris had a major impact on Rons life?

Into the Wild: Characterization

Characterization is the method used by a writer to develop a character. The method includes:

1. showing the character's appearance;
2. displaying the character's actions;
3. revealing the character's thoughts;
4. letting the character speak; and
5. getting the reactions of others. 

How does the author develop Alex/Chris as a character? What rhetorical devices does he employ to appeal to the reader's ethos, pathos, or logos? Do not forget to post your response by Friday nor respond to at least two of your peers.

Gay Marriage

Same-sex marriage is defined as a union between two people who are of the same gender or biological sex.  However, many people still disagree on the definition.  Either way, this topic carries with it a large amount of controversy. Those who support same-sex marriage often argue that love is grounds enough for marriage, regardless of sexual orientation. Those who are opposed often cite religious viewpoints and concerns about the rearing of children as the main reasons for their opposition. The conflict over same-sex marriage is not a simple one. It involves many legislative, cultural, religious and family issues.  What are your thoughts? As usual, post your initial response and then reply to two of your peers.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is a form of physical punishment that involves the deliberate infliction of pain as retribution for an offence, or for the purpose of disciplining or reforming a wrongdoer, or to deter attitudes or behaviour deemed unacceptable. The term usually refers to methodically striking the offender with an implement, whether in judicial, domestic, or educational settings.

Abortion

Abortion is one of those issues that polarizes public opinion. Many people have strong feelings for or against abortion; and in some cases the debate has sometimes resulted in protest and violence.  Be it that my students are mature rational beings that have been taught to skillfully and respectfully share their opinions, please express your thoughts about the topic. Then, respond to 2 of your peers posts.  Must be completed by ZERO period tomorrow.

The Kidney

               Ethical Question
Given the controversial nature of organ sales, it is often difficult to discuss the issue rationally, for the idea of trading one's organs sounds almost too suicidal, almost beyond belief.
Controversial it may be, pragmatism and a poignant view of the chronic global shortage of organs, plus the long waiting list for organ transplants, means that organ sales may be the last resort to address this rather pressing issue.

Discussion Question:
Should people be allowed to sell a kidney for transplantation?

Please support your assertion and remember to respond to two of your peers.  As you respond to your peers, consider the various philosophical/ethical appeals (e.g. deontological, utilitarianism, egoism, etc.) your peers share in their response.  Additionally, remember to use the PHS Writing Structure to develop your arguments.

Cause Nunez Asked

These are some sentence starters:

Introducing Quotations

• X states, “___________”.
• According to X, “___________.”
• X himself writes, “___________.”
• In her book, ___________, X maintains that “___________.”
• Writing in the journal Commentary, X complains that “___________.”
• In X’s view,” ___________.”
• X agrees when she writes, “___________.”
• X disagrees when he writes, “___________.”
• X complicates matters further when he writes, “___________.”
  
  Explaining Quotations
• Essentially, X believes ___________ since...
• In other words, X deems ___________ because...
• In making this comment, x argues that ___________since…
• X is insisting that ___________ because...
• X’s point is that ___________ since…

Agreeing and Disagreeing Simultaneously

• Although I agree with X to a certain point, I cannot accept his overall conclusion that
  ___________ because...
  
• Although I disagree with much that X says, I fully endorse his final conclusion that ___________ since...
  
• X is right that ___________, but she seems on more dubious ground when she claims
  that ___________.
  
• While X is probably wrong when she claims that ___________, she is right that
  ___________.
  
• I’m of two minds about X’s claim that ___________. On the one hand, I agree that
  ___________. On the other hand, I’m not sure if ___________.
  
  

Sample Essay

Many people struggle to maintain objectivity; consequently, an author’s point of view will usually expose their biases. For example, in the text, Into the Wild, Krakauer switches from a 3rd person limited narrator to a 1st person personal essay/autobiography. Krakauer states, “McCandless’ death was unplanned. . .[because] my sense of Chris McCandless’ intentions comes, too,
from a more personal perspective” (134). Here, Krakauer admits that he believes McCandless actually planned to survive. His interjection affects the reader because most people, as indicated by the author, do not agree with McCadless’ actions. His narration actually causes a conflict with readers who may perceive McCandless as foolish. In short, people find it difficult to relate with McCandless because his actions appear to be selfish and inconsiderate, especially to his parent.
Moreover, the author’s choice of narration demonstrates that people want to share their thoughts about the subject in which they are discussing.

Novel as a Whole

Chris McCandless meets many people throughtout his journey. In your opinion, who do you think McCandless impacted the most and why?

Epilogue

What is your point of view of the resolution of the novel? Why do you believe Walt and Billie went to the bus?

Characterization

How is Chris/Alex characterized in chapter 18?

Chris vs. Krakauer

Why does the author implicitly compare himself to Chris?

Group 1--Chapters 11-13

How does your perspective of Chris McCandless change after reading chapter 11-13?

Point of View

Narrator...

The point of view of a text effects the work's overall tone, mood, and credibility. In the novel Into the Wild, the author includes a segment in which the protagonist shares his own thoughts through a 3rd person perspective. What are thoughts about Alex/Chris? What inferences can be made about his character?

Judging Others

Many people have a tendency to examine the lives of others and make harsh judgements for individuals' choices and decisions in life. Unsurprisingly, we also have a tendency to condone the actions, decisions, or desires of others. However, are we experts to judge the actions, motives, or desires of another? Do we have a right to scrutinize or criticize the life of another. Please thoroughly explain your reasoning with support.